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England and Afghanistan joined Australia in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating New Zealand and Ireland, respectively, in their final Super Six matches on Friday.
In the Group 1 fixture played at Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan secured a 191-run victory over Ireland to book their place in the final four of the event.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 315-7 at the end of 50 overs, thanks to Faisal Shinozada’s marathon knock of 163 runs from 142 balls.
Afghanistan were reduced to 102 for three in 21.2 overs when Faisal Shinozada was joined by skipper Mahboob Khan. The duo put on a batting masterclass with a monumental 188-run stand.
The pair brought the total to 290 in 47.3 overs as Shinozada was caught after playing a sublime innings. His knock was peppered with 18 fours and a six.
Meanwhile, Mahboob continued on till the third ball of the 50th over, ensuring that Afghanistan finished on a strong total.
The skipper’s 89 from 79 balls included two sixes and five fours.
In reply, Ireland batters could not get going as they were bowled out for 124 in 40.4 overs.
Afghanistan bowlers applied pressure from the right on set, not allowing batters to settle.
Marko Bates remained the top-scorer for his side as he managed 34 from 81 balls with the aid of two fours.
For Afghanistan, Aqil Khan and Abdul Aziz starred with the ball, sharing six wickets between them.
The victory propelled Afghanistan into the semi-final as Sri Lanka were eliminated on the basis of the former’s better run-rate despite ending up on six points.
In the Group 2 fixture, England defeated New Zealand by 65 runs to qualify for the semi-final.
New Zealand did well with the ball after inviting England to bat first as they restricted them to 234-7 at the end of 50 overs.
Ben Mayes remained the star batter, scoring 53 from 70 deliveries with the help of five fours.
All-rounder Caleb Falconer remained the other notable contributor. The right-hander scored a useful 47 from 57 that included three fours down the order.
New Zealand’s batting lineup in reply displayed a shambolic display and were all out for mere 169 in 38.5 overs.
Manny Lumsden wreaked havoc with the ball as he picked up a five-wicket haul in 6.5 overs while giving away 17.
For Blackcaps, Snehith Reddy showed some resistance with the bat, hitting a maximum and two fours in his 47 from 65 balls.
